Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Antoine Gessain, Emmanuel Nakoune, Yazdan Yazdanpanah
Summary: The article reviews the virology, epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment of monkeypox, and discusses the reported cases in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Italy in May 2022, which led to the declaration of a global health emergency by the WHO.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Virology
Daniele Focosi, Federica Novazzi, Andreina Baj, Fabrizio Maggi
Summary: Monkeypox virus has caused human monkeypox in the tropical rainforests of Africa for decades, but recent sustained outbreaks have occurred across multiple continents, mostly in males having sex with males.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Shriyansh Srivastava, Sachin Kumar, Shagun Jain, Aroop Mohanty, Neeraj Thapa, Prabhat Poudel, Krishna Bhusal, Zahraa Haleem Al-qaim, Joshuan J. J. Barboza, Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Ranjit Sah
Summary: Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by a virus, which has caused outbreaks in some countries in Africa. In 2022, it was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization due to its unprecedented spread. Vaccines are available for prevention and treatment, but their efficacy is uncertain, and the development of safer and more specific vaccines is needed.
Article
Virology
Lulan Wang, Jingzhe Shang, Shenghui Weng, Saba R. Aliyari, Chengyang Ji, Genhong Cheng, Aiping Wu
Summary: Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has been circulating in West and Central Africa. Recent outbreaks in nonendemic countries were analyzed, revealing that the MPXV-2022 strains belong to the same lineage as the 2018 strain with several new mutations. Some specific proteins were found to be more prone to mutation in the MPXV genome. This study provides insights into the ongoing MPXV outbreak and identifies novel mutations for further research.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Ali Sepehrinezhad, Rezan Ashayeri Ahmadabad, Sajad Sahab-Negah
Summary: The number of monkeypox cases is rapidly increasing worldwide. Despite efforts to manage the initial symptoms, such as skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, the effects of the monkeypox virus on multiple organs remain unclear. Recent findings show neurological symptoms in patients and experimental studies suggest that the virus can invade the central nervous system through neuroinvasive mechanisms. This highlights the importance of understanding the neuroinvasive potential and neurological manifestations of MPXV.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeffrey L. Americo, Patricia L. Earl, Bernard Moss
Summary: Monkeypox, a disease similar to smallpox, has become endemic in Africa with limited human-to-human transmission. However, in 2022, the disease spread globally, driven by human-to-human transmission outside of Africa. It is still unclear whether this is due to behavioral factors or the virus adapting to a new host. Genome sequencing revealed differences between the current outbreak strain (clade IIb) and previous strains (clade IIa and clade I), but the impact of these differences on virulence or transmission is yet to be determined. Using a mouse model, researchers found that the clade I virus was more virulent than the clade IIa and IIb.1 strains, suggesting that clade IIb may be evolving diminished virulence or adapting to other species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Asad Mustafa Karim, Jeong Eun Kwon, Mujahid Aizaz Karim, Haseeb Iftikhar, Muhammad Yasir, Irfan Ullah, Se Chan Kang
Summary: Monkeypox (MPX) was first reported in humans in 1970 and outbreaks were mainly restricted to western and central Africa. However, a recent case in the UK suggests a potential spread of MPX beyond endemic regions. MPX is less transmissible than SARS-CoV-2 and can be transmitted through close personal contact or contact with infectious rash or body fluids. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs for MPX, but a drug approved for smallpox treatment can be used. Vaccines are available for prevention. Contact tracing and rapid data systems are lacking in MPX outbreaks, and there is a need to increase testing capacity. The demand for vaccines for global MPX outbreak exceeds availability.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Qizan Gong, Changle Wang, Xia Chuai, Sandra Chiu
Summary: This review summarizes the features, transmission pathways, pathogenicity, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention and treatment strategies of human monkeypox. By understanding this information, it provides basic knowledge for the prevention and control of future outbreaks of monkeypox.
Review
Microbiology
Sameer Elsayed, Lise Bondy, William P. Hanage
Summary: This review discusses the origins and virology of human monkeypox, its connection with smallpox eradication, outbreaks in endemic and non-endemic regions, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, case management, public health interventions, and future directions.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kevin Chiem, Aitor Nogales, Maria Lorenzo, Desarey Morales Vasquez, Yan Xiang, Yogesh K. Gupta, Rafael Blasco, Juan Carlos de la Torre, Luis Martinez-Sobrido
Summary: Despite the eradication of smallpox, some orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox virus (MPXV), remain important human pathogens. Vaccines for smallpox are effective against MPXV, but limited in access. Current antiviral treatments for MPXV are limited to two FDA-approved drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover novel antivirals for the treatment of MPXV and other potentially zoonotic orthopoxvirus infections. Here, we found 13 compounds that inhibit both VACV and MPXV, derived from two different libraries of compounds known to inhibit various RNA viruses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Virology
Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi, Susana Guerra, Marina Munoz, Nicolas Luna, Matthew M. Hernandez, Luz H. Patino, Jason Reidy, Radhika Banu, Paras Shrestha, Bernadette Liggayu, Audrey Umeaku, Feng Chen, Liyong Cao, Armi Patel, Ayman Hanna, Sunny Li, Andy Look, Nina Pagani, Randy Albrecht, Rebecca Pearl, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Dusan Bogunovic, Gustavo Palacios, Lucia Bonnier, Freddy Cera, Heidi Lopez, Yvette Calderon, Erick Eiting, Karr Mullen, Sangyoon Jason Shin, Luz Amarilis Lugo, Antonio E. Urbina, Carlotta Starks, Tonny Koo, Patricia Uychiat, Avery Look, Harm van Bakel, Ana Gonzalez-Reiche, Adolfo Firpo Betancourt, David Reich, Carlos Cordon-Cardo, Viviana Simon, Emilia M. Sordillo, Juan David Ramirez
Summary: Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus that is prevalent in Central and West Africa. A new real-time PCR assay for diagnosing MPXV infection in humans has been developed and validated, showing high specificity and sensitivity. The assay has been approved for clinical use by the NYS Department of Health.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Martin Chmel, Oldrich Bartos, Hana Kabickova, Petr Pajer, Pavla Kubickova, Iva Novotna, Zofia Bartovska, Milan Zlamal, Anna Burantova, Michal Holub, Helena Jirincova, Alexander Nagy, Lenka Cernikova, Hana Zakoucka, Jiri Dresler
Summary: In this study, we report the early appearance of Monkeypox virus in Prague, Czech Republic. A retrospective analysis of biological samples conducted on April 28 revealed an unrecognized case of Monkeypox virus infection. Subsequent data analysis confirmed the strain of the virus as part of the ongoing outbreak. Combined with clinical and epidemiological investigations, we traced the current outbreak back to at least April 16, 2022.
Article
Immunology
Vladimir A. A. Gushchin, Darya A. A. Ogarkova, Inna V. V. Dolzhikova, Olga V. V. Zubkova, Igor V. V. Grigoriev, Andrei A. A. Pochtovyi, Anna A. A. Iliukhina, Tatiana A. A. Ozharovskaia, Nadezhda A. A. Kuznetsova, Daria D. D. Kustova, Artem Y. Y. Shelkov, Denis I. I. Zrelkin, Alina S. S. Odintsova, Daria M. M. Grousova, Vladislav Y. Y. Kan, Sona A. A. Davtyan, Andrei E. E. Siniavin, Elizaveta D. D. Belyaeva, Andrei G. G. Botikov, Arina A. A. Bessonova, Lyudmila A. A. Vasilchenko, Daria V. V. Vasina, Denis A. A. Kleymenov, Egor A. A. Slutskiy, Artem P. P. Tkachuk, Olga A. A. Burgasova, Svetlana Y. Y. Loginova, Evgeny V. V. Rozhdestvensky, Dmitry V. V. Shcheblyakov, Alexander N. N. Tsibin, Andrey G. G. Komarov, Vladimir I. I. Zlobin, Sergel V. V. Borisevich, Boris S. S. Naroditsky, Denis Y. Y. Logunov, Alexander L. L. Gintsburg
Summary: The study focused on the residual immunity among Moscow residents, indicating the need for priority vaccination in individuals aged 45 and under and 66 and over.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Zovi, Francesco Ferrara, Roberto Langella, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Monkeypox infection is caused by the Orthopoxvirus, transmitted through contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets. It presents with fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes, usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks. New vaccines have been authorized for prevention, while there is no specific pharmacological treatment. However, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox have shown efficacy against monkeypox.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Brit Long, Alex Koyfman, Michael Gottlieb, Stephen Y. Liang, Brandon M. Carius, Summer Chavez, William J. Brady
Summary: Monkeypox is an emerging viral disease that has been declared a global health emergency. This article provides a focused overview of the epidemiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of monkeypox for emergency clinicians to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Diego Forni, Chiara Moltrasio, Manuela Sironi, Alessandra Mozzi, Eleonora Quattri, Luigia Venegoni, Marzia Zamprogno, Andrea Citterio, Mario Clerici, Angelo Valerio Marzano, Rachele Cagliani
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic diversity of monkeypox virus in northern Italy in June to July 2022, and identified 12 nucleotide substitutions. Seven of these substitutions led to amino acid changes in six different proteins. Additionally, one patient was found to have a bacterial superinfection. This study contributes to our understanding of the circulating virus genomes in Italy.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Cristian Molteni, Diego Forni, Rachele Cagliani, Alessandra Mozzi, Mario Clerici, Manuela Sironi
Summary: Through analysis of core genes, we found that some genes involved in viral morphogenesis and transcription/replication of orthopoxviruses were targets of positive selection. Episodic positive selection was particularly common on the internal branches of the orthopox phylogeny and on the monkeypox virus lineage. In addition, intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in orthopoxvirus proteomes were less constrained and frequently targeted by positive selection.
Article
Immunology
Chiara Moltrasio, Rachele Cagliani, Manuela Sironi, Mario Clerici, Chiara Pontremoli, Carlo Alberto Maronese, Paola Maura Tricarico, Sergio Crovella, Angelo Valerio Marzano
Summary: A variant in the AIM2 gene was found in syndromic HS patients, suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease. This variant was less common in sporadic HS and PG. These findings suggest a potential role of this variant in susceptibility to develop syndromic HS.
Article
Microbiology
Diego Forni, Rachele Cagliani, Uberto Pozzoli, Manuela Sironi
Summary: The ongoing monkeypox outbreak is caused by viral lineages related to but distinct from Nigerian MPXV viruses. APOBEC-mediated editing might be responsible for the high number of mutations observed in hMPXV1 genomes. Mutation analysis revealed a prevalence of C-to-T and G-to-A mutations, consistent with the preferences of human APOBEC3 enzymes. The impact of APOBEC3 enzymes on the evolution of different orthopoxviruses was also demonstrated.
Article
Microbiology
Diego Forni, Uberto Pozzoli, Rachele Cagliani, Mario Clerici, Manuela Sironi
Summary: CpG and UpA dinucleotides are under-represented in vertebrate genomes compared to invertebrate genomes. Vertebrate-infecting viruses tend to have a stronger bias against CpG, especially single-stranded (ss) RNA(+) viruses, while ssRNA(-) viruses show no specific bias related to the host clade. CpG depletion is not likely driven by the zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP) and CpG dinucleotides tend to be preferentially depleted in A/U-rich contexts in both vertebrate- and invertebrate-infecting viruses. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals a depletion of CpG dinucleotides in specific viral open reading frames (ORFs). The study provides insights into viral evolution and the modulation of CpG for generating attenuated viruses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chiara Moltrasio, Francesca Laura Boggio, Maurizio Romagnuolo, Rachele Cagliani, Manuela Sironi, Alessandra Di Benedetto, Angelo Valerio Marzano, Biagio Eugenio Leone, Barbara Vergani
Summary: The global outbreak of human monkeypox virus in 2022 emphasized the importance of dermatological manifestations for its diagnosis. This study analyzed skin biopsies to assess the histopathological and microscopic findings of cutaneous lesions related to hMPXV infection. The findings provided valuable insights into the disease's histological and microscopic characteristics, contributing to a better understanding of the current and potential future trends of human monkeypox virus and other Orthopoxvirus infections.
Article
Virology
Cristian Molteni, Diego Forni, Rachele Cagliani, Federica Arrigoni, Uberto Pozzoli, Luca De Gioia, Manuela Sironi
Summary: In regions where monkeypox virus is endemic, the genetic diversity of the virus is structured into two major clades (Clades I and II). Through genetic analysis, it was found that the B.1 lineage of the virus, which is responsible for the worldwide outbreak, has accumulated mutations resulting from APOBEC3 editing. The study also revealed a high prevalence of codons under strong purifying selection, but positive selection signals were also detected, particularly in genes associated with immunomodulation and/or virulence. These positive selection signals represent signatures of host adaptation and contribute to the different virulence of Clade I and II MPXVs.
